Wizards beaten by Pistons, 88-74

Nba

December 18, 2008|By From Sun news services

Allen Iverson scored 28 points to lead the Detroit Pistons to their third straight victory, 88-74 over the visiting Washington Wizards last night.

Rodney Stuckey added 18 points and matched his career high with 11 assists for the Pistons, who went on a 12-3 run midway through the fourth quarter after the Wizards had pulled to within 63-62. Detroit allowed only three field goals in the final nine minutes.

The Pistons (14-9) haven't lost since they blew a 17-point lead and fell 107-94 at Washington on Dec. 9.

"I just waited for my opportunity, and when it came I just took advantage of it," said Iverson, whose output was his highest since a 30-point night at Sacramento on Nov. 11. Mike James, who replaced Juan Dixon (Maryland, Calvert Hall) in the starting lineup last night, scored 16 points to lead the Wizards. Antawn Jamison had 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Andray Blatche added 10 points and 11 rebounds for Washington, an Eastern Conference-worst 4-19.

"I keep saying I'm grateful this is the Eastern Conference," James said. "You can be 10 games under .500 and still be playing for the eighth [playoff] spot."

Celtics 88, Hawks 85: : Kevin Garnett scored 10 of his 18 points in the final quarter, helping visiting Boston (23-2) win its 16th straight. It was only the second loss in 10 home games for Atlanta (15-10).

Hornets 90, Spurs 83: : Chris Paul set an NBA record with a steal in his 106th straight regular-season game and had 19 points and 12 assists to lead host New Orleans (15-7) to a comeback victory. Tony Parker led San Antonio (15-9) with 20 points.

76ers 93, Bucks 88: : Lou Williams matched his career high with 25 points and host Philadelphia (11-14) overcame the loss of forward Elton Brand, who dislocated his right shoulder in the third quarter. Luke Ridnour and Charlie Bell scored 14 points each for Milwaukee (11-16).

Pacers 127, Warriors 120: : Danny Granger scored 17 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter to help host Indiana (9-16) to its second straight victory. Golden State (7-19) lost its fourth straight.